December 10, 1943

Dear Mom,

I was happy to get your letter, as always. I received all six bucks in good shape. The little iron and the vitamins arrived safely. Thanks very much. Christmas shopping is going to be a problem for me, too. I'm going to stick to the PX for thing as the town is full of gyp-joints. I think that my present for the family will not be very magnificent. This army is going to do me good by teaching me how to get alone on very little money.

I felt pretty low when I had to write Dad that I washed out. Another failure can be added to my long list.

One of the boys in our barracks, a somewhat morose and introverted chap who washed out, took some poison in an attempt to commit suicide or to get himself discharged. We sent him off to the hospital and I haven't heard anything further.

Joanie Newman mentioned the nice days you've been having. She and I correspond fairly regularly. Texas is much too cold for comfort. Six of seven of the boys have gone to the hospital with pneumonia. Some fun.

I have a cold, a cough , and a sore throat. I don't know what I'm going to do about getting rid of all those.

I'm on detail as a runner tonight. It's fairly easily; I get to sleep most of the time.

December 11, 1943

I managed to get four hours sleep. I don't' know whether I can get more, because activities begin good and early. A large bunch of guys just checked in for KP duty.

6:15 am

I just got back from chow. The rest of the boys have come in, waiting for transportation to the range. I hope I can get off to bed soon.

12:30 P.M.

I had 4 hours sleep in bed this morning. Now I suppose I go back for some more detail. I was extremely pleased to wake up and find the sun shining and soft music playing. It reminded me of home.

Give my love to Dad, Pete, Linda, and Crellie.

Love,

Linus

P.S. Pete, I am awfully happy to hear such good reports.